Global Scans · Design · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Design thinking will increasingly play a key role in improving systems and customer experiences. Companies will re-learn their approach to innovation and embrace human-centred design principles. Designers will begin to apply knowledge of human interaction, specifically in the area of how we earn trust and respect, to AI systems.

• [New] The no-code revolution continues to reshape digital creation, and by 2026, it will transform UX design itself. Touch4IT
• [New] Anchored by T-Mobile's Innovation Lab in Bellevue, Washington, US, and T-Labs in Berlin, Germany, 6G will be jointly designed and developed as a fully AI-native system. Deutsche Telekom AG
• [New] Packaging design optimized for transportation ensures that goods reach distant markets in optimal condition, enhancing the potential for successful trade relationships and global commerce. FlexPackVoice
• [New] Nature-inspired themes, such as biophilic designs, will remain a popular interior design trend in 2026. The Orlando Advocate
• [New] Fashion brands will be forced to control their sourcing costs and protect profit margins even more aggressively in 2026. Supply Chain Dive
• [New] Disruptive U.S. trade policy will continue to weigh heavily on fashion executives in 2026 - more so than in previous years. Supply Chain Dive
• [New] Even as trade negotiations continue, the U.S.' tariff policies, a major driver of global trade uncertainty, will continue to weigh on the fashion industry. Supply Chain Dive
• [New] Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S26 series with a focus on proactive AI features designed to anticipate user needs and automate routine tasks. The Median: A Data & AI Newsletter
• [New] Proposed amendments to the UK's online safety regime could accelerate the liability phase of generative AI, raising sharper questions for insurers around regulatory exposure and coverage design. Insurance Business
• [New] AI's maturation will further drive a more robust telecom architecture, potentially setting a benchmark for innovation within other tech-dependent sectors. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] As AI risk in cybersecurity 2026 escalates, organizations must reassess architecture, governance, and investment priorities. Edchart BLog
• [New] Innovations in battery chemistry and design will play a critical role by 2026. Best Lithium Ion Batteries for 2026 What You Need to Kn
• [New] Designing with future years in mind, including the incorporation of aging-in-place elements and prioritization of durable, long-lasting pieces, will also be cornerstones of 2026 home decor trends. The Orlando Advocate
• [New] The Plan for London was launched in May last year and will involve the closure of no fewer than 11 buildings by 2030, relocating over 14,000 civil servants, and delivering annual savings of £94 million. GOV.UK
• [New] A well-designed digital euro could strengthen Europe's financial autonomy. FinExtra
• [New] In 2026, brands are using AI to design packaging more efficiently, predict consumer demand, and reduce waste. Packpaa
• [New] By 2026, biophilic design will have evolved well beyond decorative greenery. Design Middle East
• [New] The coming year will bring continued innovation in brand logos, as the long-held belief that marks must be fixed and rule-bound continues to give way to more flexible identity systems. Packaging Digest
• [New] Rather than chase screen-heavy headsets, Apple is reportedly building AI-driven smart glasses designed around context, not displays, with production timelines pointing toward late 2026 and a 2027 consumer launch. Next Reality
• [New] In 5-10 years, materials will be expected to be not only high-performance, but also safer by design and more environmentally responsible, including higher bio-content systems and greener chemistries that reduce hazards and waste. 3D Printing Industry
• [New] In 2026, brands will increasingly run creator programs designed for citation. AIR

Last updated: 09 March 2026